Summer in Pigeon Forge always promises to be an absolute blast, whether you’re there for a three-day weekend or an extended vacation. With so many fun things to experience, choosing just how to spend your time can feel overwhelming, however. Fortunately, we’re here to make it easy. Just take a look at this guide to learn all about the best things to do in Pigeon Forge this summer, and then start building your perfect itinerary.
Putt-Putt the Day Away at Crave Golf Club
Do you love to enjoy indoor and outdoor mini-golf adventures to remember? If so, you need a trip to Crave Golf Club in your life, for sure. As the #1 ranked mini golf course in the country, they have two incredible 19-hole courses to explore and conquer. Their ‘Crave Style’ approach puts a unique twist on each game, leaving you wondering just who will come out on top. In addition to mini golf, they also have escape rooms, mini bowling, a candy store, and an ice cream shop.
Ride the Smoky Mountains Alpine Coaster
When nothing else will do but rapid-fire twists and turns down the mountainside, you cannot go wrong with a ride on the Smoky Mountains Alpine Coaster. This amazing thrill ride takes you down the longest track in the US at an exhilarating pace. You can ride solo or with a friend—and the ride stays open rain or shine. You’re able to brake your cart as you wish, although it’s always a blast to see how fast you can go through the corners and down the straightaways.
Explore the Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark
Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark opens in May each year, giving guests a way to have plenty of fun in the sun. Across this park, there are more than a dozen awesome attractions built with adults, teens, and little kids in mind. The older crowd can enjoy thrills and chills on the Big Bear Plunge, Mountain Scream, Fire Tower Falls, Mountain Twist, and Slick Rock Racer. Younger kids often want to spend their day exploring The Cascades, an 8,000-square-foot lagoon with fantastic activities across every last inch.
Go on a Whirlwind Tour of the Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a premier destination filled with good eats, fun attractions, and shopping opportunities. You get to decide how to spend every visit, too, making it a real-life choose-your-own-adventure experience. The most popular things to do include going on The Island Ropes Course, riding The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, trying The Escape Game, dining on pizza at Mellow Mushroom, and getting sweet treats at Cinnabon. Don’t forget to drop by the arcade as well.
Cruise Through the Treetops on Zipline Adventures
If you’ve always wanted to blast through the treetops while enjoying a breathtaking view, zipline adventures in Pigeon Forge are definitely calling your name. There are many zipline companies to try, like Smoky Mountain Ziplines, Legacy Mountain Ziplines, and Adventure Park Ziplines. Each one offers a unique experience, so they’re all worth trying at least once. Once you get a taste of the zipline experience, you’ll undoubtedly want to go again and again, though, especially as the sun starts to set.
Zorb Down the Hillside at Outdoor Gravity Park
At Outdoor Gravity Park, zorbing is the name of the game, giving you an all-new way to roll down the hill. During this unique experience, you’ll hop in an orb on your own or with up to two other people. Then, you’ll start at the top of the hill and roll all the way down at an amazing clip. The orb keeps you cushioned while allowing you to go ultra-fast, making this an incredible experience to enjoy again and again. Ask about their ‘Running of the Balls’ activity for even more fun while you’re there.
See the Stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum
When you want to get out of the sun for a while, the Hollywood Wax Museum is the place to go in Pigeon Forge. Since all their wax creations must stay cool, it’s super chill inside all day long. Your visit will put you face to face with all the greats, too, or at least their unbelievably realistic wax likenesses. Some of the wax creations on display include Michael Jackson, Lucille Ball, and Dolly Parton, of course. They even have a massive replica of Mount Rushmore on display for all to admire.
Cool Off in Style at Pigeon Forge Snow
For even cooler adventures, set your sights on a visit to Pigeon Forge Snow. At this unique indoor venue, you get to enjoy tubing down the snowy slopes even as the sun heats things up outside. Surprisingly enough, they keep the place at a comfy 70 degrees, all without letting the snow underfoot melt away. In between your tubing adventures, you’re welcome to build snowmen, forts, and more in the open play area. Just be sure to bring your mittens because the snow is 100% real, made from pure water, and nothing more.
Dine While Enjoying a Pirate Show to Remember
As the evening winds to an end, you can always keep the fun going by attending the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. This high-energy performance will leave you enamored, while the four-course feast fills your belly up to the brim. The pirate spirit remains on full display from beginning to end, letting you decide if the pirate’s life is for you. The feast is second-to-none, too, allowing you to nosh on homecooked goodness like pan-fried chicken, herb-basted potatoes, and creamy vegetable soup. Dessert serves as the big finale, topping off your meal with a decadent sweet treat.
If you can swing it, go to each and every one of the attractions listed above. If not, you really cannot go wrong, no matter which ones you pick. Just remember to take note of any you missed and put them on the itinerary for your next summer trip to Pigeon Forge.
